Hello hello

[JTCamp]

New member here.

Seems like a great forum, lots of information.

I currently have an 04 Mazda B3000. It is a 2 wheel drive pickup with less than 10000 miles a year on the odometer. Problem is I'm not really using the truck as a truck and it doesn't have the power or towing capacity that I'm used to in a truck. I bought it thinking that I could look past those things but I'm realizing that is not the case.

That is what brings me here. I am considering selling my truck and buying a used explorer. I really like the look of the 3rd generation and up explorers and they seem to have a good reputation.

I have some questions though. Is the V8 the better option? I'm not too concerned with mpg and regardless the V8 doesn't seem much worse than the V6, is that true?

Reliability? What I read indicates the v8 is a smoother running engine than the 6 and possibly more reliable? Opinions? Also what changes where made from 05 to 06 to gain hp in the v8? Does an 05 v8 have the hp potential of the 06 without serious modifications? I have a SCT tuner btw.

Also, what about the automatics? Is the 5 speed the better or the 6 speed? I have read about problems with the 5 especially; I can't find much on the 6.

I can find a 05 for less than a 06 but there are some differences? What do you think? If you had a choice between the 3rd and 4th gen. what would you choose and why?


Thanks for the help

John

 

[JTCamp]

Anyone...?

 

[lounge lizard]

welcome to the site!

I think no matter what, if you find one you like it won't matter what is under the hood.

I have a 1997 explorer v-8 all wheel drive. that is the way the v-8's come. and it is my truck that I enjoy. and want to mod the piss out of! LOL

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You can't go wrong if you get a V8 instead of a V6. The MPG rating is only a minimal difference. There are a lot of aftermarket accessories for the V8.

 

[JTCamp]

Thanks for the welcomes!

I keep finding horror stories about the 5r55 transmission. Should I be concerned? I know Ford sold a lot of explorers, maybe the percentage of affected is low? Thoughts on that trans?

I also read some about spark plug problems with modular 4.6L V8.

John

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site John:wavey:

 

[JTCamp]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I think I'm going to have to test drive a 05 to see what I think. I'm trying to get out from my pickup into something that has more covered space and seating and more power. I don't think there is anything more frustrating than a vehicle that is underpowered. I can deal with other stuff but that one gets me for some reason.

I am concerned with the reliability though. The impression I get online is that they, specifically 4th generation explorers, are consistently highly rated but then there are countless claims of transmission problems. Can anyone chime in on those?

Wondering,

John